Writer (Agaz) Gebreyesus Hailemariam donated his ancient books, along with the “Millennium Farewell and Welcome” photographs he took, to Wemezekir (the National Archives and Library).
Under the title “The Wondrous Moment,” writer Gebreyesus Hailemariam traveled from the beginning of the Gregorian Millennium up to Mount Wachecha and captured photographs of the Millennium’s sunset farewell and sunrise welcome. Along with these photographs, he donated his written works titled yeChamut Shika, Teketinet Ajinet/Ageki, Nehucher, and The Gurage and Their Culture to the National Archives and Library Service (Wemezekir).
For his lifetime contributions in the fields of language, culture, and community development, Agaz Gebreyesus Hailemariam—who was given the traditional honorary title “Agaz”—has written 16 books in Guragigna, Amharic, and English. Beyond his contributions to the development of Gurage culture and language, he founded and served the Gurage People’s Self-Help Development Organization (GUHRALD). He has also left his mark in other national and international institutions.
This program, organized by Tewedaje Media and Communication in collaboration with Sodo Lema Media, was held on Saturday, January 23, 2018 E.C., starting at 4:00 p.m., at the Wemezekir Hiruy Hall. On the occasion, in the presence of distinguished invited guests, the author’s popular books and the historic photographs he took were donated to the national archive.
The “Wondrous Moment” program began with blessings proceedings. Writer Birhane Alemu presented an analysis of Agaz Gebreyesus’s books and writing style, while poet Kifle Temesgen presented a story excerpted from the book yeChamut Shika.
While receiving the documents, the Head of the National Archives and Library Service Office, Ato Abate Kassaw, stated that they were deeply pleased by Agaz Gebreyesus’s donation of historic documents. He also presented the author with a certificate of recognition and appreciation prepared by Wemezekir.
The Head of the Gurage Zone Culture and Tourism Office, W/o Meseret Amerga, on her part stated that organizing a formal handover ceremony for such historic works, preserved as documents, is a significant achievement for the country. Emphasizing their major role in passing culture, language, and literature on to future generations, she expressed gratitude to the author for the historic documents he has contributed to the nation.
Writer Agaz Gebreyesus Hailemariam, for his part, said that although he had not expected his work to reach this point, he was happy and grateful that Wemezekir—being a repository of many historical documents and figures—was able to archive his photographs and written works as lasting records. He also noted that, going forward, owners of historical documents should hand over their works to Wemezekir so they can be accessible to future generations.
Finally, he extended special thanks to Tewedaje Media and Sodo Lema Media for organizing the program titled “The Wondrous Moment.”